–Announces to contest polls as independent candidate

LAHORE: Disgruntled Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Zaeem Qadri on Thursday lashed out at former Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz, stating that Lahore “was not their property”.

Addressing a press conference here, he recounted his family’s struggle for democracy and the PML-N and said he did not say anything when the party decided to field another candidate in the constituency he wanted to contest the elections from, “But I cannot polish Hamza’s boots.”

Qadri challenged Hamza, saying he would get into politics in Lahore and show him.

“I’m not your masseur,” the disgruntled leader said, adding that he stood by the workers of Punjab and Pakistan.

“You have ruled Punjab for 10 years, bring on the unit that you have made in Punjab comprising of your employees and contest the elections against me.”

Qadri also claimed that a party leader told him that he could not be given the ticket because he “did not have enough money to contest the polls”. He then announced to contest elections as an independent candidate from NA-133.

It may be noted that Qadri has served as the provincial minister and an adviser to the chief minister, as well as Punjab government’s spokesman. He has also served at important positions within the PML-N’s party structure.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) offered Zaeem Qadri to join the party. In a statement, PTI leader Abdul Aleem Khan said the party was willing to welcome Qadri to its ranks.

“The press conference by Qadri has exposed the true face of PML-N,” he added.